Keeping you safe online: Trend Micro shares it’s latest tips and tricks for April

Scammers don’t take holidays. They don’t have days off and they are constantly trying to take advantage of systems and people. It is easy to get overwhelmed with information. Trend Micro recognise this and have therefore released a series of timely warnings, delivered in bite-sized portions each month.

I know we rabbit on about security a lot but ask anyone that have been caught out and they wish they would have heeded the warnings and taken precautions to guard themselves against the bad guys online.

Limit what you share online

Previously we have cautioned people to limit what they share online. Most recently as part of our story on Back to School we suggested some tips and tricks to limit the gathering of personal data which collectively can lead to potential identity theft. The passage of a school term has not lessened the risk so it is a reminder to stay vigilant.

Top Scams to watch out for

Trend Micro identify three common threats

1. Fake online stores – when a bargain looks too good to be true it probably wise to be wary. The online store may look real but it is probably just waiting for you to enter your personal or financial details and the trap is closed
2. Business impersonation – Emails purporting to be from the Australian Federal police, Medicare or Australia Post are common. Always go to the organisation’s website to check the validity of any correspondence
3. Microsoft Teams scams – Be very careful when new teams invitations are received. Check they are legitimate

How to stream safely

Fake streaming sites exist. They are particularly rife around the time of major sporting or entertainment events. Pop ups asking for payments for what you thought were free streams is dead giveaway. Stick to official platforms, use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.

What is VPN and why it matters

VPN’s are Virtual Private Networks and are useful to mask your real IP address which is pretty handy, especially when on public wifi at shops, airports or cafes. It is at these specific locations that scammers congregate in an attempt to intercept your personal details. It also encrypts your data so others can’t read it. Utilising a VPN is advised to reduce your exposure to cyber threats and give you confidence that any transactions where personal information is shared is secure.

These warnings may something that you hear often and there is n element of dismissing them as you think it can never happen to you…til it does. So bear with us and take these and future security-based stories seriously . Thank us later